November 2008

November 06, 2008

Councillor Bob Bratina made me laugh out loud today with this mass email to media outlets:

I stormed out of my office today after hearing that a new strip club was about to open across from Gore Park. No new strip clubs are permitted beyond the three now in operation so I was ready to ask for an immediate stop work order and that applicable charges be laid. No further action was taken when I was informed it was just a movie set.

November 04, 2008

I’ve been gone for over two months from city hall and it’s good (or sad) to see some things never change.

Today’s planning meeting ended in a yelling match between councillors. Here’s the highlights: A motion came forward to remove a number of items from the outstanding business list, including a report by staff to investigate a ban of new drive-thrus. The item, originally moved by Councillor Brian McHattie and approved by council, dates back to last May. When asked to explain why staff wanted it taken off, department head Tim McCabe explained “it’s not going to happen.” He said staff wouldn’t recommend a ban and argued such moves are why Hamilton gets accused of driving business away.

That drew McHattie to the microphone, where he accused McCabe of being “unprofessional” by letting his personal opinion guide staff’s position.
“I’m really disappointed there’s not a full analysis of the issue,” said McHattie. “It seems very much a personal response.”

The committee then launched into a 20 minute debate over whether it was procedurally appropriate for the item to be removed from the business list when it wasn’t addressed yet. Councillor Brad Clark argued the original direction to staff was a decision of council and can’t just be tossed out because a staff person disagrees. He argued it was undemocratic for the committee to vote to remove it from the to-do list. Instead, he said council must follow the rules of requiring a two-thirds majority to overturn a previous decision. Traditionally, items are removed from the outstanding list when they have been addressed by staff.

“I’m not sure I support the ban, but I support the process,” said Clark, arguing “democracy was at risk.”

Chair Terry Whitehead explained the issue was raised at an earlier meeting with staff and the committee vice-chairs when they set the meeting’s agenda. He argued it was democratic move because everyone had a chance to speak and vote. McCabe added that staff still planned to address the issue when they report back next year on the official plan.

Councillor Dave Mitchell jumped in, arguing he wanted to vote on removing the request for the report, sending a message to the business community and stop “wasting staff’s time.”

Things dissolved from there with lots of arguing, muttering and open bickering. In the end the committee voted 4-3 (Whitehead, Pearson, Ferguson, Mitchell versus Clark, McHattie, Duvall) to remove the item. After the meeting, the loud fighting continued (Don McLean of CATCH was the loudest as he accused Whitehead of bending the rules). I know Clark is already planning to bring up the matter at council.

I must head to Costco tonight to get a big box of popcorn to celebrate being back on the beat.

So I'll be watching history happen tonight on CNN, how about you? It's election day in the U.S., of course, and I'm sure many of Hall Marks readers are glued to the race. I was fascinated to watch democracy in action while in Florida, one of the key states that will decide if Barack Obama or John McCain is the next president.
While I was in Tampa, Sarah Palin held a rally. The next day Joe Biden was close by. When we traveled back to Orlando, Obama and Bill Clinton arrived and drew a crowd of 30,000.

We also had the chance to witness a line of 200 to 300 people waiting to cast their early ballots. I was truly awed to see a country so engaged in politics, especially after my experience covering our own federal election. I doubt many Canadians would wait more than 30 minutes for the chance to cast their vote.

While impressed by the level of participation in the states, I did find myself laughing at the number of positions that are elected. You probably know Americans elect their judges, sheriffs, county commissions, etc...but what about property appraiser? Supervisor of elections? Tax collector? My camera is packed with pictures of election signs that made me laugh.There's even a race for mosquito control board! Bizarre. The ballot south of the border must be a small novel.

Do you think it's overkill or would you like to elect more government positions in Canada? What positions would you like to see on the ballot?

November 03, 2008

Hey Folks, I'm back from vacation and covering city hall again. I went to my first meeting in more than two months today. More on that later, first I have to tell you one of my favourite memories of my vacation.

My trip to Italy got downsized to a trip to Florida (it's a long story), but I visited Epcot for a day to soak up a bit of fake European culture. While there, my husband and I checked out the new movie at the Canadian pavilion. Disney recently remade the film after some Canadians complained it was out of date. Martin Short hosts the new version and I'm thrilled to report he mentions Hamilton as his hometown. It's just a passing mention, but that's great PR for the city. Just think, thousands of people have our city's name planted in their brains while enjoying the 'happiest place on earth.' I even had to clap, much to the amusement of the other 100 silent people watching the film.

Nicole Macintyre

Nicole MacIntyre is the queen of kings. A married mother of two boys, including the world's former worst sleeper, she's also a reporter and parenting columnist at the Hamilton Spectator. A devotee of the 'whatever works' approach to child-rearing, Nicole has learned to never say "I'll never" when it comes to parenting.